Vitamin D

[peacebaby]

Hi everyone!

Sorry if this has already been discussed..

At my last acupuncture session my therapist asked me to get my Vit D levels checked, the topic came up because I mentioned that I grew up and lived in sunny South Africa until I moved to the UK, which is notoriously grey & dark for much of the year (this is the one thing I can't get used to). She worked at the Zita West fertility clinic here in London and apparently a large percentage of women who experienced MC's & other fertility challenges were found to be Vit D deficient. It is not part of the "package" of blood tests the NHS normally do but it can be done by the NHS if you ask your doctor. I'm waiting for my results.

https://www.zitawest.com/fertility/fertility-checks-and-tests/vitamin-d/

Has anyone experienced this diagnosis or been told to take a Vit D supplement? What is the experience in the US or elsewhere?

Thanks ladies!

 

[readyformore]

Vitamin D has been huge lately.

Our physicians have started doing a routine screen at annual exams. We are in the upper part of the US and get sun about 6 months, lol. So, most of us are deficient. In fact, I've heard some docs tell people to take 1-2000IU without even testing them. It's just a given that if you live here, you're most likely deficient.

I did hear of a study that linked vit D deficiencies to bacterial vaginosis. Then linked BV to premature labor/birth. Not sure how direct the relationship is though.

Definately worth looking into at your next doctors visit. Not necessarily for fertility, but for general health and well being. I've heard that low levels can be linked to depression as well.

 

[peacebaby]

Interesting, thanks ready! You're right supplementation is important for general health. I am so glad the acu lady alerted me to this.

Yes, my gp mentioned that often people on antidepressants are able to come off them after Vit D supplementation. The deficiency is also linked to Seasonal Affected Disorder.

Studies linking Vit D deficiency to fertility:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/women_shealth/3434420/Vitamin-D-can-aid-fertility.html

Male infertility:
https://hometestingblog.testcountry.com/?p=191

And in rats(!):
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7400847

And here on BnB:
https://www.babyandbump.com/trying-to-conceive/686968-vitamin-d-deficiency-infertility-3.html#post11970664

Disclaimer: all of the above is for information purposes only, please consult your doctor first!

 

[Natsby]

A friend of mine in the UK was told she has this problem too and is hoping it solves her long term infertility. She is from NZ so is used to a bit more sun than she is getting now...but not much! I hope it works for her and I´ll def ask the clinic to check my levels although living here i doubt it is a problem.

 

[peacebaby]

fx'd it fixes things for your friend Nats. It is such a simple test and yet it seems to often be missed in initial fertility investigations. Lucky you with Spain's wonderful mediterranean climate, still probably good to check & rule it out though.

got my results back today as heavily deficient which I kind of expected, so hoping it's part of my fertility fix too along acu, yoga and Chinese exercises.

good luck with the tests!

 

[lisacn]

Hi There,

I've just had my 2mc and have now been referred to the recurrent miscarriage specialist Mr Shehata on 07/12. On his website he goes through the treatment plans and they have vit D and aspirin. Hope this helps

 

[peacebaby]

hi lisa

sorry about your losses
Your appointment sounds like a positive step and I'm sure the specialist will be a great help. My acupuncture lady says that once nutritional deficiencies are addressed so many women with recurrent losses and unexplained infertility have a complete turnaround with such positive results, so here's hoping that we're all part of that group!

was it your GP who referred you to this specialist?

 

[Milty]

I know this is my DH but I thought it might help anyway. He is from north Alaska and very deficient in Vit D. He even has a hard time asorbing it. He takes in about 60,000 MUI a week sublingual to help with asorbition.

I can tell immediatley when he has missed a dose. It is not just his mood level that gives it way but also his energy, and thought clarity.

I don't know if this is related to his mood or not but I also think he has a higher sex drive.

I think he even looks pale or maybe has pasty skin when he has been off them for a couple days.

I can meet him for lunch and tell he has missed his morning dose so I really thing it can affect your overall heath.

 

[peacebaby]

milty, you right it does affect one's overall health, such a simple thing but it affects quality of life. Poor hubby! So does he have to be on it "forever"?

lisa:
slightly off topic but I couldn't resist googling Dr Shehata, miscarriage expert in London and the reviews and feedback are very positive indeed. Sounds like his tests and treatments are "cutting edge" so it's very exciting for you!

 

[Milty]

oh yeah he will be on it forever...He has already been on it for about 5 years